For the past couple of winters I've had the pleasure of freezing my rear end off and learning how to shoot hockey. Let me tell you, it's not easy. Capturing hockey is a challenge. It's fast, the light is tough, the penalty box where I hang out sometimes gets crowded when a player or two occupy it, and the occasional flying puck heading right at me is simply frightening, yet very exciting. Then there is the plate of thick glass to shoot through. Littered with smudges, sweat, and scuffs you really have to find the sweet spot to shoot through. Oh, and did I mention the magenta cast you frequently get in the shot? It makes me swear like a sailor when editing. But in the end, I have come to embrace and appreciate this incredible sport. I love shooting it.

I look forward to next season after going through this year's shots. I can see where I can do better and what to try different. I have some ideas and I hope they will let me to try. I'm also looking at a new big lens. That always gets me into trouble, but I so want one. I'm a lens freak.

As I wrap this up, I would like to thank the Skaneateles Boys Varsity Hockey team, their coaches, and parents for letting me photograph them. I have known some of them since they were little, their hockey bags often bigger than them. A special little tip of the hat to Brendan Major. I knew you before you were born, and here you are a senior this year. I still remember your "hockey fights" against your mom's oven. I wish you and all your senior classmates the best life has to offer. And lastly, to my daughter Kinsey who helps me understand the game so I can attempt to shoot it. She lives and breathes hockey. Love you McGrew.